That’s a Wrap! Highlights of Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month 2022

October 31, 2022 - Defence Stories

October marked Canada’s Healthy Workplace Month (CHWM), with the theme “Together for a Better Workplace!” Virtual activities and events were hosted throughout the month with a focus on creating a healthy workplace to support the psychological and physical well-being of Defence Team members.

CHWM kicked-off with a message from our Mental Health co-Champions: Deputy Minister Bill Matthews, Vice Chief of the Defence Staff Lieutenant-General Frances Allen and Wanda Boudreau, President, Federal Government Dockyard Chargehands Association. They encouraged all DND public service employees and military members to reflect on their well-being, as well as that of their colleagues, and to actively think about how we can each contribute to the overall health and wellness of all Defence Team members.

Throughout October, Defence Team members:

• Learned about the importance of self-care and its impacts on mental health and well-being through the webinar, “The Science of Self-Care and Positive Experiences” (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) with Elena Antoniadis;
• Discussed the impacts of positive workplace relationships during the “Creating Meaningful Connections at Work” (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website) webinar with Lisa Sansom;
• Practiced their flexibility, muscle strength, and balance with Canadian Armed Forces Fitness, Powered by Personnel Support Program, with weekly virtual workout classes;
• Read educational articles and messages on Mental Illness Awareness Week and International Conflict Resolution Day and ; and
• Participated in No Talk Thursdays, by creating meeting-free time zones and providing more time to get work done.

The events, activities, and learning opportunities that were organized for CHWM were designed to offer Defence Team members practical tools, tips, and resources that can be applied throughout the rest of the year to support your well-being! In case you missed it or were unable to attend, recordings of the webinars are posted on the Organizational Well-Being Microsoft Stream Channel (you are now leaving the Government of Canada website).